Longtime NFL coach Norv Turner will likely become the new offensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings. Turner said as much in a short conversation with the Pioneer Press.
Norv Turner on being Vikings OC: “I think there’s a good chance it’s going to happen. We’re kind of waiting right now.’’
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) January 16, 2014
Turner will be charged with improving a Viking offense that finished a respectable 13th in the league in scoring, but a less than impressive 23rd in the passing game.
“I think the No. 1 thing is to get the most out of your players and find out what they do best,” Turner told the Pioneer Press. “Obviously, you have to have balance. You have to be able to play different types of games against different teams to be successful against the different teams you have to play.”
Turner spent last season holding the same position with the Cleveland Browns, who finished 27th in the NFL in scoring offense (19.3 points per game). Despite the poor scoring offense, the Browns had the 11th ranked passing offense. NFL.com calls Turner one of the league’s “premiere coordinators.”
Before joining the Browns, Turner spent the previous six seasons (2007-2012) as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers. The Chargers went 56-40 under Turner and made six consecutive trips to the postseason, where he guided them to three wins.
ESPN”s Adam Schefter reported Wednesday that the Vikings had requested and received permission to interview Turner.
Former Vikings linebacker Ben Leber likes the idea of bringing in a former head coach to help Mike Zimmer in his first year as a head coach. Leber told KFAN on Thursday morning that Zimmer should surround himself with young, hungry coaches and veteran coaches who can help him as he learns the ropes.
Even if Turner doesn’t end up in Minnesota, he isn’t expected to stay with the Browns, according to ESPN.
